What are blemishes? Types and treatments

Blemishes are visual manifestations of underlying skin imbalances, taking on a variety of forms and colours depending on their cause and severity.

From barely-there whiteheads to angry, inflamed cysts, the spectrum of blemishes is surprisingly broad.

• Blackheads: small, dark spots on the skin's surface, resulting from sebum and dead skin cells oxidizing in an open pore.

• Whiteheads: similar to blackheads, but are covered by skin, which gives them a white or yellowish appearance; in essence, they are closed, clogged pores.

• Papules: small, red, inflamed bumps that are tender to the touch, though they do not contain pus.

• Pustules: inflamed, red bumps with a white or yellow pus-filled centre; these are what most people consider “pimples.”

• Nodules: large, hard, inflamed bumps deep within the skin, which are often painful and persistent.

• Cysts: the most severe type; these are large, soft, fluid-filled sacs deep in the skin that are painful and may lead to scarring.

The colour of a blemish can offer clues about its stage of development and underlying cause.

• Red blemishes: indicate inflammation, common in papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts due to the immune response.

• Brown blemishes: post-blemish spots, a form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by melanin overproduction.

• Black blemishes: typically blackheads, where pore contents have oxidized and darkened.

• White blemishes: either whiteheads (closed comedones) or pus-filled pustule centres.

Blemish-prone skin is a skin type characterized by a higher susceptibility to developing various forms of imperfections, from blackheads and whiteheads to more inflamed lesions like papules and pustules.

This skin type often presents with the following characteristics:

• Enlarged pores: due to excess sebum production and potential blockages.

• Oily sheen: particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

• Uneven texture: due to the presence of active pimples and potential scarring.

• Frequent breakouts: a recurring cycle of spots appearing and healing.

• Increased sensitivity: a tendency to react to certain ingredients or environmental factors.

The development of blemish-prone skin is often multifactorial, stemming from a combination of genetic predisposition and hormonal influences. Genetics can dictate the size and activity of sebaceous glands, influencing sebum production.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly androgens, can stimulate these glands, leading to increased oiliness and a higher likelihood of clogged pores.

Furthermore, an impaired skin barrier function can exacerbate the issue, making the skin more vulnerable to inflammation and bacterial proliferation.

While a “miracle diet” for clear skin doesn't exist, certain dietary choices can influence inflammation and sebum production. Consider focusing on:

• Diet: prioritize low-glycemic foods, incorporate zinc-rich options, and experiment with probiotics, as these dietary choices can influence inflammation and support a healthy gut microbiome, potentially improving skin clarity.

• Stress management: incorporate mindfulness, movement, creative outlets, and prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly to lower cortisol levels and support skin repair.

• Sun protection: apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) daily, even on cloudy days, reapply regularly, and seek shade/protective clothing to minimise inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

Several natural ingredients offer effective solutions for addressing this skin concern, working through different mechanisms to improve skin health.

• Natural salicylic acid: derived from wintergreen leaves, this exfoliant dissolves the sebum and dead skin cell mixture within pores, unclogging them and refining skin texture.

• Niacinamide: also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient minimises enlarged pores, soothes skin, and reduces redness and inflammation.

• Polyphenols: abundant in grape seeds, these antioxidants limit sebum oxidation, helping to prevent blackhead formation.

• Grape water: rich in minerals, trace elements, antioxidant polyphenols, and hydrating polysaccharides, it hydrates, soothes, and acts as a prebiotic, rebalancing the skin microbiota.

While many blemishes can be effectively managed with over-the-counter products and lifestyle changes, certain situations require professional medical attention. If your blemishes persist for several weeks despite consistent home care, or if you experience severe acne with deep, painful nodules and cysts, it's time to consult a dermatologist. Similarly, any signs of infection, such as intense redness, swelling, pain, pus drainage, or fever, necessitate immediate medical attention.

The Vinopure collection offers a complete, targeted anti-blemish routine to address the specific needs of skin prone to imperfections. Formulated with natural yet potent ingredients, these products work synergistically to purify, balance, and visibly improve skin texture, without harshness.

Begin with this essential gel facial cleanser with salicylic acid. It deeply purifies the skin, tightens pores, and reduces excess sebum without drying out the face.

Apply morning and evening to damp skin. Massage gently to create a light foam, avoiding the eye contour. Rinse thoroughly.

Follow with this powerful salicylic acid serum. It targets blemishes, unclogs and tightens pores, and refines skin texture.

Apply morning and evening to dry, cleansed skin, avoiding the eye contour. Allow it to absorb completely before your moisturiser.

This lightweight mattifying moisturiser provides essential hydration while controlling shine. It hydrates and mattifies the face, reduces blemishes, and refines skin texture.

Apply morning and evening to clean, toned skin, ideally after the serum. Avoid the eye contour.

This salicylic spot solution with salicylic acid is your go-to for sudden breakouts. It visibly reduces localised blemishes in just 4 hours, purifying, drying, and reducing redness with its light green tint.

Apply directly to spots morning and evening, and touch up throughout the day as needed. Avoid the eye contour.